How long was Glynn Turman married to Aretha Franklin? Relationship explored

Glynn Turman, the famous actor and director, was once married to Aretha Franklin, who was known for her voice and several hit songs. Their relationship was known to be successful yet controversial at the same time.

Aretha Franklin and Glynn Turman first crossed paths in the late 1970s at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles during a Ben Vereen performance. According to Turman, their introduction was initiated by one of Franklin’s sons. The pair became a couple, and they eventually got married on April 11, 1978, at Aretha’s father’s church in a wedding.

Franklin also gained three stepchildren when she married Turman. The marriage was considered hopeful for Franklin, who had had a stormy first marriage with Ted White in the 1960s (Smooth Radio).

According to Bustle, her wedding to Turman was described by friends and family as a “fairy tale moment,” and for years, the couple had a high-profile relationship by attending interviews and public appearances together.

However, their relationship had some issues, especially related to the handling of their hectic careers and dealing with a long-distance marriage.

Aretha Franklin was primarily based in Detroit to be near her family and career commitments, and Turman frequently worked in Los Angeles for his acting roles. These practical problems ultimately caused their split in 1982, and the pair divorced in 1984 after six years of marriage.

Glynn Turman revisits his memory of his now-dead wife

Despite their divorce, Glynn Turman and Aretha Franklin would end up being lifelong friends. In interviews, Turman frequently gushed about Franklin and praised her extraordinary talent and strength.

One tender memory he shared was of discovering her at the piano in the middle of the night, barefoot and lost in her music, an experience that deepened his appreciation for her genius.

"She was sitting at the piano, barefoot, cigarette hanging on the side of her mouth. In her nightgown. Playing this amazing music. Just amazing... I started to say hey baby, come to bed. And I stopped and I sat down in the doorsill. And that's really the first time it really dawned on me that my wife was Aretha Franklin!" Turman told ABC7.

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Turman was supposedly with Franklin in her last days. When news of her illness came to light in 2018, he paid his respects at her bedside and later described their time in each other’s company as warm and affectionate.

Now in his 70s, Glynn Turman has had an active career that includes The Wire, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Bumblebee. His wedding to Aretha Franklin is still considered a significant chapter in both of their lives.

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